PORT AREA, MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) has donated PHP 1,343,400 worth of calamity fund for earthquake victims in Mindanao and flood victims in the provinces of Cagayan and Isabela yesterday, 26 November 2019.

PCG Commandant Vice Admiral Joel S Garcia formally received the cheque that will be accounted to the existing budget of the PCG for calamity-related operations.

Vice Admiral Garcia expressed his gratitude to the men and women of the PCGA who extended support and even sought the assistance of their friends to gather a significant amount of donation that will further supplement current and future relief initiatives.

“I am happy that we have such good leadership in the PCGA that they worked together to help Southern Mindanaoans and other victims of future humanitarian crises. The PCGA is now duty-bound to contribute every time there is a calamity for volunteerism and civic consciousness which are part of Coast Guard Auxiliary movement,’’ Vice Admiral Garcia said.

The ceremonial turn-over of the donation occurred during the donning ceremony of Rear Admiral Randy Escolango, the new Director for Internal Affairs Office of the PCGA. Rear Admiral Escolango joined PCGA in 2014 and in the past five years, has exhibited full commitment to serve the nation through the organization.

“Rest assured that I will dedicate my best effort and serve with enthusiasm to promote the safety of life at sea; to protect the marine environment; and to assist in youth development through our initiatives,” Rear Admiral Escolango said.

Finally, Vice Admiral Garcia challenges the men and women of the Coast Guard Auxiliary to anchor their volunteer activities, as well as support services to the PCG and to the nation on the legal basis of their existence as he shared how he fought for the institutionalization of the PCGA through Republic Act 9993 or the PCG Law of 2009.